Chivas USA add Joaquin Velasquez and Walter Vilchez to its roster

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, February 26, 2013) – Chivas USA announced today that it has acquired Mexican center back Joaquin Velazquez and Peruvian left back Walter Vilchez. Velazquez comes to the Red-and-White on loan from Chivas Guadalajara while Vilchez was acquired by the Rojiblancos via special discovery. The new acquisitions are still pending ITC approval. Per league and club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Velazquez, 37, comes to Chivas USA having once played for new Head Coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola “Chelis” in Mexico’s First Division. As a part of Puebla, Sanchez Sola and Velazquez formed part of the club that helped ascend Los Camoteros to the First Division in 2007. The Veracruz-born defender made his pro debut in 1995 with Puebla and also served stints with Santos Laguna, Lobos BUAP and Veracruz.

Vilchez, 31, has recorded 64 caps for Peru’s national team, recording a goal against Chile. As an experienced player in Peru’s First Division, Vilchez is a five-time champion – three with Alianza Lima and two with his most recent club Sporting Cristal. The left back also spent time in Mexico’s First Division, first with Cruz Azul and then Puebla under Sanchez Sola. Vilchez made his professional debut in 2000 with Deportivo Wanka.

JOAQUIN VELAZQUEZ

Nombre/Full Name: Oscar Joaquin Velazquez Elvira

Pronunciation (English): Veh-laz-kez

Número/Number: 23

Posición/Position: Defensa/Defender

Nacido el/Born: 9-11-1975

Lugar de nacimiento/Birthplace: Veracruz, Mexico

Nacionalidad/Citizenship: Mexicana/Mexican

Estatura/Height: 1.80 m / 5’10”

Peso/Weight: 84 kg / 185 lbs

Último Equipo/Last Team: Puebla

Adquisición/Acquired: A préstamo del club Guadalajara / On loan from Chivas Guadalajara

WALTER VILCHEZ

Nombre/Full Name: Walter Ricardo Vilchez Soto

Pronunciation (English): Vil-chez

Número/Number: 4

Posición/Position: Defensa/Defender

Nacido el/Born: 2-20-1982

Lugar de nacimiento/Birthplace: Chiclayo, Peru

Nacionalidad/Citizenship: Peruana/Peruvian

Estatura/Height: 1.83 m / 6’

Peso/Weight: 80 kg / 178 lbs

Último Equipo/Last Team: Sporting Cristal

Adquisición/Acquired: Via special discovery

Chivas USA will kick off its ninth season when it hosts the Columbus Crew at The Home Depot Center as part of MLS’ March to Soccer on Saturday, March 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m. (PT). Ticket packs and individual tickets are now available. For more information please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 (1-877-244-8271) or visit cdchivasusa.com. Follow us on Twitter@cdchivasusa and Facebook.com/chivasusa.